THE VISVA-BHARATI ACT, 1951 
____________ 

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 
____________ 

PRELIMINARY 

SECTIONS 

1.  Short title and commencement. 
2.  Declaration of Visva-Bharati as an institution of national importance. 
3.  Definitions. 

THE UNIVERSITY 

4.  Incorporation. 
5.  Effect of incorporation of the University in certain cases. 
5A.The objects of the University. 
5B. Principles to be followed in organising activities of the University. 
6.  Powers of the University. 
7.  Territorial jurisdiction of the University. 
7A. Maintenance of examination centres outside territorial limits. 
8.  University to be open to all races, creeds and classes. 
9.  Teaching at the University. 

10.  The Paridarsaka (Visitor). 

11.  The Pradhana (Rector). 

THE PARIDARSAKA (VISITOR) 

THE PRADHANA (RECTOR) 

OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY 

12.  Officers of the University. 
13.  The Acharya (Chancellor). 
14.  The Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor). 
15.  [Omitted.] 
16.  The Karma-Sachiva (Registrar). 
17.  Other officers. 

AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY 

18.  Authorities of the University. 
19.  The Samsad (Court). 
22.  The Karma-Samiti (Executive Council). 
24.  The Siksha-Samiti (Academic Council). 
25.  Other authorities of the University. 
26.  Alumni Association. 

STATUTES, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS 

27.  Statutes. 
28.  Statutes, how made. 

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SECTIONS 

29.  Matters to be provided for in the Ordinances. 
30.  Power to make Ordinances. 
31.  Regulations. 
32.  Residence. 

33.  Admission. 
34.  Examinations. 

35.  Annual report. 
36.  Annual Accounts. 

ADMISSIOIN AND EXAMINATIONS 

ANNUAL REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS 

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS 

37.  Adhyapakas of the University to be appointed under a written contract. 
38.  Tribunal of Arbitration. 
38A. Power to suspend adhyapaka or other member of academic staff. 
38B. Authorities by whom order for removal or dismissal or adhyapaka, etc., may be made and the 

procedure therefor. 

39.  Pension and provident funds. 
40.  Filling of casual vacancies. 
41.  Removal from membership of the University. 
42.  Disputes as to constitution of any University authority or body. 
43.  Constitution of committees. 
44.  Proceedings of the University authorities not invalidated by vacancies. 
44A. Protection of action taken in good faith. 
44B. Mode of proof of University record. 
45.  Power to remove difficulties. 

THE FIRST SCHEDULE. [Repealed]. 
THE SECOND SCHEDULE. 

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THE VISVA-BHARATI ACT, 1951 

ACT NO. 29 OF 1951 

An  Act  to  declare  the  institution  known  as  “Visva-Bharati”  to  be  an  institution  of  national 
importance and to provide for its functioning as a unitary teaching and residential university. 

[9th May, 1951.]  

BE it enacted by Parliament as follows:— 

PRELIMINARY 

1. Short title and commencement.—(1) This Act may be called the Visva-Bharati Act, 1951. 
(2)  It  shall  come  into  force  on  such  date1  as  the  Central  Government  may,  by  notification  in  the 

Official Gazette, appoint. 

2.  Declaration  of  Visva-Bharati  as  an  institution  of  national  importance.—Whereas  the  late 
Rabindranath  Tagore  (Thakur)  founded  an  institution  known  as  Visva-Bharati  at  Santiniketan  in  the 
district of Birbhum in West Bengal the objects of which are such as to make the institution one of national 
importance, it is hereby declared that the institution known as “Visva-Bharati” aforesaid is an institution 
of national importance 2[and is as such hereby constituted as a University]. 

3[3.  Definitions.—In  this  Act,  and  in  all  Statutes  made  hereunder,  unless  the  context  otherwise 

requires,— 

(a)  “academic  staff”  means  such  categories  of  staff  as  are  designated  as  academic  staff  by  the 

statutes; 

(b) “Acharya (Chancellor)” and “Upacharya (Vice- Chancellor)” mean, respectively, the Acharya 

(Chancellor) and the Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor) of the University; 

(c)  “adhyapaka”  includes  a  Professor,  Reader,  Lecturer  and  any  other  person  engaged  in 
imparting  instruction  in  relation  to  any  learning  process  and  designated  as  an  adhyapaka  by  the 
Ordinances; 

(d)  “Alumni  Association”  means  the  Association  of  the  Alumni  of  the  University,  constituted 

under the provisions of this Act and the Statutes; 

(e)  “approved  institution”  means  an  institution  (not  being  an  institution  maintained  by  the 

University) of higher learning or studies approved by the University; 

(f) “Bhavana” means an academic institution maintained by the University and named as such; 

(g) “campus” means a unit established or constituted by the University for imparting instruction 

or supervising research, or both; 

(h) “Chatravaso” means a unit of residence, or of corporate life, for the students of the University 

provided, maintained or recognised by the University; 

(i) “Department” means a Department of Studies and includes a centre of studies established by, 

or under, the Statutes; 

(j) “employee of the University” means any person appointed by the University or any Institution, 

and includes an employee of a Bhavana; 

(k)  “Institute  Board”  means  a  Board  constituted  by  the  University  for  the  management  of  an 

Institute; 

(l) “Institution” means an institution maintained by the University; 

1. 14th May, 1951, vide Notification No. F. 40-5/50-G, 3 dated the 10th May, 1951, Gazette of India, 1951, Part I. sec. 1. 
2. Ins. by Act 60 of 1961, s. 2 (w.e.f. 19-12-1961). 
3. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 3, for section 3 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

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(m)  “Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)”  means  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  of  the 

University; 

(n)  “Patha-Samiti  (Board  of  Studies)”  means  a  Board  constituted  by  the  University  for  the 

regulation of studies; 

(o) “prescribed” means prescribed by the Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations; 

(p) “Samsad (Court)” means the Samsad (Court) of the University; 

(q)  “Siksha-Samiti  (Academic  Council)”  means  the  Siksha-Samiti  (Academic  council)  of  the 

University; 

(r) “Statutes”, “Ordinances” and “Regulations” mean, respectively, such Statutes, Ordinances and 

Regulations of the University as are for the time being in force; 

(s) “University” means the institution known as Visva- Bharati and incorporated as a University 

under this Act.] 

THE UNIVERSITY 

4.  Incorporation.—The  first  Acharya  (Chancellor)  and  Upacharya  (Vice-Chancellor)  of  the 
University who shall be the persons appointed in this behalf by the Central Government by notification in 
the  Official  Gazette,  and  the  first  members  of  the  Samsad  (Court)  and  all  persons,  who  may  hereafter 
become  or  be  appointed  as  such  officers  or  members,  so  long  as  they  continue  to  hold  such  office  or 
membership, are hereby constituted a body corporate  1[as a unitary, teaching and residential University] 
by the name of Visva-Bharati, and shall have perpetual succession and a common seal, and shall sue and 
be sued by that name. 

5. Effect of incorporation of the University in certain cases.—On and from the commencement of 

this Act,— 

(i) all references in any enactment to the Society of the name of Visva-Bharati registered on the 
16th  May,  1922,  under  the  Societies  Registration  Act,  1860  (21  of  1860),  shall  be  construed  as 
references to the University; 

2[(ii)  all  property,  assets,  rights  and  liabilities  of  the  said  Society  shall  be  the  property,  assets, 
rights  and  liabilities  of  the  University  and  any  will,  deed  or  other  document,  whether  made  or 
executed  before  or  after  the  commencement  of  this  Act,  which  contains  or  purports  to  contain  any 
bequest, gift, trust, payment of money or transfer or assignment of any right or property, movable or 
immovable, in favour of the said Society shall be  construed as if the University was therein named 
instead of the said Society;] 

(iii)  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  Act,  every  person  employed  immediately  before  the 
commencement of this Act in the said Society shall hold employment in the University by the same 
tenure and upon the same terms and conditions and with the same rights and privileges as to pension 
and gratuity as he would have held under the said Society, if this Act had not been passed: 

Provided  that  if  the  University  decides  to  alter  the  terms  and  conditions  of  service  of  any  such 
employee, a fresh contract shall be executed for the purpose, and if the employee is not agreeable to serve 
under  the  new  terms  and  conditions,  his  services  may  be  terminated  in  accordance  with  his  original 
contract of employment or, if no provision is made therein in this behalf, on payment to him by way of 
compensation of an amount equal to his salary for six months. 

3[5A. The objects of the University.—(1) The objects of the University shall be to disseminate and 
advance knowledge and understanding by providing instructional, extension and research facilities and by 
the example and influence of its corporate life, and the University shall, in organising its activities, have 
due  regard  to  the  following  objects  for  which  the  Visva-Bharati  at  Santiniketan  was  founded  by 
Rabindranath Tagore, as expressed in his own words, namely:— 

(i) to study the mind of Man in its realisation of different aspects of truth from diverse points of view; 

1. Ins. by Act 60 of 1961, s. 4 (w.e.f. 19-12-1961). 
2. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for clause (ii) (w.e.f. 19-12-1961). 
3. Ins. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 4 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

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(ii) to bring into more intimate relations with one another, through patient study and research, the 

different cultures of the East on the basis of their underlying unity; 

(iii) to approach the West from the standpoint of such a unity of the life and thought of Asia; 

(iv) to seek to realise in a common fellowship of study the meeting of the East and the West, and 
thus ultimately to strengthen the fundamental conditions of world peace through the establishment of 
free communication of ideas between the two hemispheres; and 

(v)  with  such  ideals  in  view  to  provide  at  Santiniketan  aforesaid  a  Centre  of  Culture  where 
research  into and study  of the religion, literature,  history,  science  and art  of  Hindu,  Buddhist, Jain, 
Islamic,  Sikh,  Christian  and  other  civilisations  may  be  pursued  along  with  the  culture  of  the  West, 
with  that  simplicity  in  externals  which  is  necessary  for  true  spiritual  realisation  in  amity,  good 
fellowship and co-operation between the thinkers and scholars of both Eastern and Western countries, 
free  from  all  antagonisms  of  race,  nationality,  creed  or  caste  and  in  the  name  of  the  One  Supreme 
Being who is Shantam, Shivam, Advaitam. 

(2) The objects of the University shall also include harmonising the cultures of India, the East and the 
West  by,  among  other  things,  the  admission  of  students  and  appointment  of  adhyapakas  from  various 
regions of India and various countries of the world, and by providing incentives therefor. 

5B. Principles to be followed in organising activities of the University.—The University shall, in 
organising  its  activities  and  the  implementation  of  its  academic  programmes,  have  due  regard  to  the 
pattern of education envisaged by Rabindranath Tagore in his writings.] 

1[6. Powers of the University.—The University shall have the following powers, namely:— 

(1) to provide facilities for studies, instruction, socially useful productive work  and community 
service and research in such branches of learning as may be deemed desirable and found practicable 
by the University and for the promotion of understanding of cultures between the East and the West 
and for the advancement of learning and dissemination of knowledge generally; 

(2) to undertake educational experiments and evolve contents, systems and methods of education 

for the furtherance of the objects of the University; 

(3) to make provision for research and advisory services; and for that purpose, to enter into such 

arrangements with other institutions or bodies as the University may deem necessary; 

(4)  to  co-operate,  collaborate  or  associate  with  any  other  University,  authority  or  institution  of 

learning in such manner and for such purposes as the University may determine; 

(5)  to  approve  any  institution  of  higher  learning  or  studies  for  such  purposes  as  the  University 

may determine, and to withdraw such approval; 

(6)  to  establish  and  maintain  such  Bhavanas,  Schools  of  Studies  and  Research,  Chatravasas, 
Gymnasia  and  such  other  institutions  as  are  deemed  necessary,  from  time  to  time,  for  the 
development of a healthy corporate life in the University and to abolish any such  Bhavana, School, 
Chatravasa, Gymnasium or other institution; 

(7) to establish, at any place in India, campuses, special centres, specialised laboratories or other 
units for research and instruction as are, in the opinion of the University, necessary for the furtherance 
of its objects; 

(8) to organise the application of class room, library and laboratory learning to problems of the 

villages as part of the curriculum; 

1. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 5, for section 6 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

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(9)  to  undertake  the  promotion  of  adult  education,  rural  re-construction,  co-operative 
organisations,  social  welfare,  development  of  cottage  industries  and  all  other  nation-building 
activities and works for the benefit of the public; 

(10) to establish such examination centres and to recognise such certificates as may be necessary 

to give effect to the provisions of section 7A; 

(11) to grant, subject to such conditions as the University may determine, diplomas or certificates 
to,  and  confer  degrees  or  other  academic  distinctions  (on  the  basis  of  examinations,  evaluation  or 
other modes of testing) on, persons; 

(12) to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions in the manner prescribed by the Statutes; 

(13)  to  determine  the  standards  for  admission  and  the  methods  of  admission  to  courses  of  the 

University, which methods shall include examinations, evaluation and other modes of testing; 

(14)  to  supervise  the  residences  of  students  of  the  University  and  to  make  arrangements  for 

promoting their health and general welfare; 

(15)  to  make  such  special  arrangements  in  respect  of  women  students  as  the  University  may 

consider desirable; 

(16) to regulate the conduct of students of the University, and to take such disciplinary measures 

in this regard as may be deemed necessary; 

(17) to create such teaching and other academic posts as may be required by the University and to 

appoint persons to such posts; 

(18)  to  appoint  Visiting  Professors,  Emeritus  Professors,  Fellows,  Scholars,  Resident  Artists, 
Resident Writers or such other persons who may contribute to the achievement of the objects of the 
University; 

(19)  to  appoint  or  recognise  persons  as  Professors,  Readers  or  Lecturers  or  otherwise  as 

adhyapakas of the University; 

(20) to approve persons working in— 

(a) any institution co-operating, collaborating or associating with the University; or 

(b) any approved institution, 

for imparting instruction or supervising research, or both, and to withdraw such approval; 

(21) to undertake publication of literary, scientific, educational and scholarly works and books on 
art, aesthetics and other subjects aimed at better understanding of the different cultures of the world 
and furthering thereby the objectives of the University; 

(22) to appoint persons working in any other University, institution or organisation as adhyapakas 

of the University for a specified period; 

(23)  to  create  administrative,  ministerial  and  other  posts  in  the  University  and  to  make 

appointments thereto; 

(24) to provide for the terms and conditions of service of employees, whether employed by the 

University or any institution; 

(25) to regulate the conduct and duties of the employees of the University; 

(26) to regulate and enforce discipline among the employees of the University and to take such 

disciplinary measures in this regard as may be deemed necessary; 

(27) to make arrangements for promoting the health and general welfare of the employees of the 

University; 

(28) to demand and receive payment of fees and other charges; 

(29) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; 

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(30) to receive benefactions, donations and gifts, and to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of any 
property, movable or immovable, including trust and endowment properties, for  the purposes of the 
University; 

(31)  to  borrow,  with  the  approval  of  the  Central  Government,  whether  on  the  security  of  the 

property of the University or otherwise, money for the purposes of the University; 

(32) to establish campuses within the territorial limits of the University specified in the Second 

Schedule; 

(33)  to  admit  students  of  any  other  University  or  College  whether  in  India  or  outside  to  any 
examination  of  the  University  subject  to  such  conditions  as  the  University  may  lay  down  for  the 
purpose; 

(34) to do all such acts and things as may be necessary or incidental to the exercise of all or any 
of the powers of the University or as are necessary or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the 
objects of the University.] 

7. Territorial jurisdiction of the University.—Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the powers of 
the  University  conferred  by  or  under  this  Act  shall  be  restricted  to  the  area  specified  in  the  Second 
Schedule. 

1[7A.  Maintenance  of  examination  centres  outside  territorial  limits.—Notwithstanding  anything 
contained  in  section  7,  the  University  may  establish  and  maintain,  at  any  place  in  India  examination 
centres for home study courses conducted by its Loka Shiksha Samsad (People’s Education Council) and 
recognise, for such purposes as may be provided in the Ordinances, the certificates awarded by the said 
Loka Shiksha Samsad (People's Education Council) on the results of examinations conducted by it.] 

8.  University  to  be  open  to  all  races,  creeds  and  classes.—The  University  shall  be  open  to  all 
persons  irrespective  of  sex,  nationality,  race,  creed,  caste  or  class,  and  no  test  or  condition  shall  be 
imposed as to religious belief or profession in admitting or appointing members, students, 2[adhyapakas], 
workers, or in any other connection whatsoever, except in respect of any particular benefaction accepted 
by the University of which such test is made a condition by the instrument creating such benefaction:  

Provided that no benefaction shall hereafter be accepted which in the opinion of the authorities of the 

University involves conditions or obligations opposed to the spirit and object of this section: 

Provided  further  that  nothing  in  this  section  shall  be  deemed  to  prevent  religious  instruction  being 
given  in  any  manner  approved  of  by  the  authorities  concerned  to  those  who  have  given  their  consent 
thereto by 2[adhyapakas] duly and properly authorised for that purpose. 

9.  Teaching  at  the  University.—All  teaching  in  the  University  shall  be  conducted  by  and  in  the 

name of the University in accordance with the Statutes and Ordinances made in this behalf. 

THE PARIDARSAKA (VISITOR) 

3[10.The Paridarsaka (Visitor).—(1) The President of India shall be the Paridarsaka (Visitor) of the 

University. 

(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (3) and (4), the Paridarsaka (Visitor) shall have the right 
to  cause  an inspection to  be  made,  by  such  person  or  persons  as  he  may  specify,  of  the  University,  its 
buildings,  laboratories  and  equipment,  and  of  any  Bhavana  or  other  Institution,  and  also  of  the 
examinations, teaching and other work conducted or done by the University, Bhavana or other Institution; 
and  to  cause  an  inquiry  to  be  made  in  like  manner  in  respect  of  any  matter  connected  with  the 
administration or finances of the University. 

(3)  The  Paridarsaka  (Visitor)  shall  give  notice  to  the  University  of  his  intention  to  cause  an 
inspection  or  inquiry  to  be  made  and  the  University  shall,  on  receipt  of  such  notice,  have  the  right  to 

1. Ins. by Act 60 of 1961, s. 7 (w.e.f. 19-12-1961). 
2. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 2, for “teachers” (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
3. Subs. by s. 6, ibid for section 10 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

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make, within thirty days or such other period as the Paridarsaka (Visitor) may determine, from the date 
of receipt of the notice, such representations to the Paridarsaka (Visitor) as it may consider necessary. 

(4)  After  considering  the  representations,  if  any,  made  by  the  University,  the  Paridarsaka  (Visitor) 

may cause to be made such inspection or inquiry as is referred to in sub-section (2). 

(5)  Where  any  inspection or  inquiry  has  been  caused  to  be  made  by  the  Paridarsaka  (Visitor),  the 
University shall be entitled to appoint a representative who shall have the right to be present and to be 
heard at such inspection or inquiry. 

(6)  The  Paridarsaka  (Visitor)  may  address  the  Upacharya  (Vice-Chancellor)  with  reference  to  the 
results of such inspection or inquiry together with such views and advice with regard to the action to be 
taken thereon as the Paridarsaka (Visitor) may be pleased to offer, and on receipt of the address made by 
the Paridarsaka (Visitor), the Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor) shall communicate forthwith to the Karma-
Samiti  (Executive  Council)  the  results  of  the  inspection  or  inquiry  and  the  views  of  the  Paridarsaka 
(Visitor) and the advice tendered by him upon the action to be taken thereon. 

(7)  The  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  shall  communicate  through  the  Upacharya  (Vice-
Chancellor) to the Paridarsaka (Visitor) such action, if any, as it proposes to take or has been taken by it 
upon the results of such inspection or inquiry. 

(8) Where the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) does not, within a reasonable time, take action to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  Paridarsaka  (Visitor),  the  Paridarsaka  (Visitor)  may,  after  considering  any 
explanation  furnished  or  representation  made  by  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council),  issue  such 
directions as he may think fit and Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) shall be bound to comply with such 
directions. 

(9)  Without  prejudice  to the  foregoing  provisions  of  this  section, the  Paridarsaka  (Visitor  may,  be 
order in writing, annual any proceeding of the University which is not in conformity with this Act,  the 
Statutes or the Ordinances: 

Provided that before making any such order he shall call upon the University to show cause why such 
an order should not be made and, if any cause is shown within a reasonable time, he shall consider the 
same. 

(10) The Paridarsaka (Visitor) shall have such other powers as may be specified in the Statutes.] 

THE PRADHANA (RECTOR) 

11. The Pradhana (Rector).—The Government of West Bengal shall be the Pradhana (Rector) of the 

University. 

OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY 
1[12. Officers of the University.—The following shall be the officers of the University, namely:— 

(1) The Acharya (Chancellor); 

(2) The Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor); 

(3) The Director of Studies, Educational Innovations and Rural Reconstruction; 

(4) The Director of Culture and Cultural Relations; 

(5) The Director of Physical Education, Sports, National Service and Student Welfare; 

(6) The Karma-Sachiva (Registrar); 

(7) The Vitta-Adhikari (Finance Officer); 

(8) Adhyakshas of Bhavanas; and 

(9) such other officers as may be declared by the Statutes to be officers of the University.]  

1. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 7, for section 12 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

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13. The Acharya (Chancellor).—1[(1) The Acharya (Chancellor) shall, by virtue of his office, be the 

Head of the University. 

(2) The Acharya (Chancellor) shall be appointed by the Paridarsaka (Visitor) from out of a panel of 

persons prepared and recommended by the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) under sub-section (2A). 

(2A) The  Karma-Samiti (Executive  Council)  shall  prepare  and  recommend  a  panel  of  not  less  than 
three persons each of whom shall be a person of eminence in the academic or public life of the country, 
and is in the opinion of the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) a fit and proper person to be appointed as 
the Acharya (Chancellor) of the University: 

Provided  that  if  the  Paridarsaka  (Visitor)  does  not  approve  of  any  of  the  persons  specified  in  the 
panel  prepared  and  recommended  by  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council),  he  may  call  upon  the 
Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) to prepare a fresh panel of persons. 

(2B)  The  Acharya  (Chancellor)  shall  hold  office  for  a  term  of  three  years  and  shall  be  eligible  for  

re-appointment:  

Provided  that  the  Acharya  (Chancellor)  shall,  notwithstanding  the  expiry  of  the  term  of  his  office, 

continue to hold such office until his successor is appointed and has entered upon his office.] 

(3) The Acharya (Chancellor), shall, if present, preside at the Convocation of the University and at 

meetings of the Samsad (Court) 2[and the Karma Samiti (Executive Council)]. 

(4) Every proposal for the conferment of an honorary degree shall be subject to the confirmation of 

the Acharya (Chancellor). 

(5) The Acharya (Chancellor) shall have such other powers as may be conferred on him by this Act or 

the Statutes. 

3[14.  The  Upacharya  (Vice-Chancellor).—(1)  The  Upacharya  (Vice-  Chancellor)  shall  be 
appointed by the Paridarsaka (Visitor) in such manner, for such term and on such emoluments and other 
conditions of service as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

(2)  The  Upacharya  (Vice-Chancellor)  shall  be  the  principal  executive  and  academic  officer  of  the 
University, and shall exercise general supervision and control over the academic affairs of the University 
and  all  Bhavanas  and  other  Institutions  and  give  effect  to  the  decisions  of  all  the  authorities  of  the 
University. 

(3) The Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor) may, if he is of opinion that immediate action is necessary on 
any matter, exercise any power conferred on any authority of the University by or under this Act and shall 
report to such authority the action taken by him on such matter: 

Provided that if the authority concerned is of opinion that such action ought not to have been taken, it 

may refer the matter to the Paridarsaka (Visitor) whose decision thereon shall be final: 

Provided  further  that  an  employee  of  the  University,  who  is  aggrieved  by  the  action  taken  by  the 
Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor) under this sub-section, shall have the right to appeal against such action to 
the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  within  ninety  days  from  the  date  on  which  such  action  is 
communicated  to  him  and  thereupon  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  may  confirm,  modify  or 
reverse the action taken by the Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor). 

(4)  The  Upacharya  (Vice-Chancellor)  shall  exercise  such  other  powers  and  perform  such  other 

functions as may be prescribed by the Statutes and the Ordinances.]  

15.  [The  Arthasachiva  (Treasurer).]—Omitted  by  the  Visva-Bharati  (Amendment)  Act,  1984  

(31 of 1984), s. 10 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

1. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 8, for sub-sections (1) and (2) (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
2. Ins. by Act 60 of 1961, s. 8 (w.e.f. 19-12-1961). 
3. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 9, for section 14 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

9 

 
                                                           
1[16.  The  Karma-Sachiva  (Registrar).—(1)  The  Karma-Sachiva  (Registrar)  shall  be  appointed  in 
such  manner,  and  on  such  emoluments  and  other  conditions  of  service,  as  may  be  prescribed  by  the 
statutes and the Ordinances. 

(2) The Karma-Sachiva (Registrar) shall have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and 
authenticate records on behalf of the University and shall exercise such other powers and perform such 
other functions as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

17.  Other  officers.—(1)  All  officers  of  the  University,  other  than  the  Acharya  (Chancellor),  the 
Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor) and the Karma-Sachiva (Registrar), shall be appointed in such manner, for 
such term and on such emoluments and other conditions of service as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

(2) The powers and functions of the officers appointed under sub-section (1) shall be such as may be 

prescribed by the Statutes.] 

18. Authorities of the University.—The following shall be authorities of the University:— 

AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY 

(1) the Samsad (Court); 

(2) the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council); 
(3) the Shiksha Samiti (Academic Council); 2*** 
3[(4) The Artha-Samiti (Finance Committee); 

(5) The Institute Board; and] 
4[(6)] such other authorities as may be declared by the Statutes to be authorities of the University.  
5[19. The Samsad (Court).—(1) The constitution of the Samsad (Court) and the term or office of its 

members shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the  Samsad (Court) shall have the following powers 

and functions, namely:— 

(a) to review, from time to time, the broad policies and programmes of the University, including 
the  maintenance  of  standards  and  adherence  to  the  objectives  of  the  University  and  to  suggest 
measures for the development and improvement of the University which shall be considered by the 
appropriate authorities of the University; 

(b) to consider and pass resolutions on the annual report  and annual accounts of the University 

and the report of its auditors on such accounts; 

(c) to advice the  Paridarsaka (Visitor) in respect of any  matter which may be referred to it for 

advice; and 

(d) to exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the 

Statutes.] 
6[22. The Karma-Samiti (Executive Council).—(1) The Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) shall be 

the principal executive body of the University. 

(2) The constitution of the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) and the term of office of its members 

shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

1. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 11, for sections 16 and 17 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
2. The word “and” omitted by s. 12, ibid. (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
3. Ins. by s. 12, ibid. (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
4. Clause (4) re-numbered as clause (6) by s.12, ibid. (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
5. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for sections 19, 20 and 21 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
6. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for sections 22 and 23 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

10 

 
 
 
                                                           
(3)  The  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  shall  exercise  the  following  powers  and  perform  the 

following functions, namely:— 

(a)  to  manage  and  administer  the  revenue  and  property  of  the  University  and  to  conduct  all 

administrative affairs of the University not otherwise provided for in this act or the Statutes; 

(b)  to  create  teaching  and  academic  posts  and  to  define  the  duties  and  conditions  of  service  of 

Professor, Readers, Lecturers and other adhyapakas and academic staff employed by the University: 

Provided that before determining the number, qualifications and emoluments of adhyapakas and 
other academic staff, the  Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) shall consider the recommendations of 
the Siksha-Samiti (Academic Council); 

(c)  to  appoint  such  Professors,  readers,  Lecturers  and  other  adhyapakas  and  academic  staff  as 
may  be  necessary  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Selection  Committees  constituted  for  the  purpose 
and to fill up temporary vacancies therein; 

(d) to provide for the appointment of Visiting Professors, Emeritus Professors, Fellows, Scholars, 
Resident Artists and Resident Writers and to determine the terms and conditions of such appointment; 

(e) to manage and regulate the finances, accounts, investments, property, business and all other 
administrative affairs of the University, and for that purpose, to appoint such agents as it may think 
fit; 

(f)  to  invest  any  money  belonging  to  the  University,  including  any  unapplied  income,  in  such 

stocks, funds, shares or securities as it thinks fit, or in the purchase of immovable property in India; 

(g)  to  exercise  such  other  powers  and  perform  such  other  functions  as  may  be  conferred  or 

specified by this Act or the Statutes.] 

24.  The  Siksha-Samiti  (Academic  Council).—(1)  The  Siksha-Samiti  (Academic  Council)  shall  be 
1[the  principal  academic  body]  of  the  University,  and  shall,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  Act,  the 
Statutes  and  the  Ordinances,  have  the  control  and  general  regulation,  and  be  responsible  for  the 
maintenance  of  standards  of  2[learning,  education,  instruction,  evaluation  and  examination]  within  the 
University, and shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or 
imposed upon it by the Statutes and shall have the right to advise the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) 
on all academic matters. 

(2) The constitution of the Siksha-Samiti (Academic Council) and the terms of office of its members 

shall be prescribed by the Statutes. 

3[25.  Other  authorities  of  the  University.—The  constitution,  powers  and  functions  of  the  
Artha-Samiti (Finance Committee), the Institute Board and of such other authorities as may be declared 
by the Statutes to be authorities of the University shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes.] 

26.  Alumni  Association.—The  University  shall  have  an  Alumni  Association  open  to  past  students 
and  past  workers  of  the  University,  including  members  of  the  Asramika  Sangha  of  the  former  Visva-
Bharati Society, on such conditions as may be laid down in the Statutes. 

STATUTES, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS 

4[27. Statutes.—Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes may provide for all or any of  the 

following matters, namely:— 

(a)  the  manner  of  appointment,  of  the  Upacharya  (Vice-Chancellor),  the  term  of  his 

appointments, emoluments and other conditions of his service; 

(b) the powers that may be exercised and the functions that may be performed by the Upacharya 

(Vice-Chancellor); 

1. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 15, for “the academic body” (w..f. 8-8-1984). 
2. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for “instruction, education and examination” (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
3. Subs. by s. 16, ibid., for section 25 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
4. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for section 27 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

11 

 
                                                           
(c)  the  manner  of  appointment  of  the  Karma-Sachiva  (Registrar),  the  emoluments  and  other 
conditions  of  his  service  and  the  powers  that  may  be  exercised  and  the  functions  that  may  be 
performed by him; 

(d) the manner of appointment of all other officers, the terms of their appointment, emoluments 

and other conditions of their service and the powers and functions of such officers; 

(e) the constitution of the Samsad (Court), the term of office of its members and its powers and 

functions; 

(f) the constitution of the  Karma-Samiti (Executive Council), the term of office of its members 

and its powers and functions; 

(g)  the  constitution  of  other  authorities  or  bodies  of  the  University,  the  term  of  office  of  their 

members and their powers and functions; 

(h)  the  election  and  continuance  in  office  of  the  members  the  said  authorities  and  bodies,  the 
filling up of vacancies of members and all other matters relating to those authorities and other bodies 
for which it may be necessary or desirable to provide; 

(i)  the  appointment  of  adhyapakas  and  other  academic  staff  and  other  employees  of  the 

University and their emoluments and other conditions of service: 

Provided that where any person who had held any post and is in receipt of a pension or other form of 
retirement  benefits  is  appointed  as  an  adhyapaka  of  the  University  or  to  any  other  academic  post,  the 
salary of such person together with the pension and other benefits shall not exceed the salary payable to 
him in accordance with the Statutes; 

(j)  the  appointment  of  adhyapakas  and  other  academic  staff  working  in  any  other  University, 

institution or organisation for a specified period for undertaking a joint project; 

(k) the appointment of Visiting Professors, Emeritus Professors, Fellows, Scholars, Resident Artists 

and Resident Writers, and terms and conditions of such appointment; 

(l) the constitution of a pension or provident fund or the establishment of an insurance scheme for the 

benefit of the employees of the University; 

(m) the principles governing seniority of service of the employees of the University; 

(n) the procedure in relation to any appeal or application for review by any employee or student of the 
University,  against  the  action  of  any  officer  or  authority  of  the  University,  including  the  time  within 
which such appeal or application for review may be preferred or made; 

(o) the procedure for the settlement of disputes between employees of the University, or students of 

the University, and the University; 

(p) the conferment of honorary degrees; 

(q) the institution of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; 

(r) the maintenance of discipline among the employees and students of the University; 

(s) the establishment and abolition of Bhavanas, Departments, Chatravasas and other institutions and 

their management, supervision and inspection; 

(t) the regulation of the conduct and duties of the employees of the University and the conduct of the 

students of the University; 

(u) the establishment of campuses, special centres, specialised laboratories or other units for research 

and instruction; 

(v) the administration and regulation of the funds received in trust or otherwise by the University; 

(w) the delegation of powers vested in the officers or authorities of the University; 

(x) the constitution and activities of the Alumni Association; 

12 

 
(y) the categories of misconduct for which any action may be taken under this Act, or the Statutes or 

the Ordinances; and 

(z) all other matters which, by this Act, are to be, or may be, provided for by the Statutes.]  
28. Statutes, how made.—1[(1) On the commencement of the Visva-Bharati (Amendment) Act, 1984 
(31 of 1984), the Statutes in force immediately before such commencement, as amended by that Act, shall 
be the Statutes of the University.] 

2[(2)  The  Statutes  may  be  amended,  repealed  or  added  to  by  Statutes  made  by  the  Karma  Samiti 

(Executive Council). 

(3)  The  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  shall  not  propose  the  draft  of  any  Statute  affecting  the 
status,  powers  or constitution  of  any  authority  of  the University  until  such  authority  has  been  given  an 
opportunity of expressing the opinion upon the proposal and any opinion so expressed shall be in writing 
and shall be submitted to the Paridarsaka (Visitor). 

(4)  Every  new  Statute  or  addition  to  a  Statute  or  any  amendment  or  repeal  of  a  Statute  shall  be 
submitted to the Paridarsaka (Visitor) who may assent to it or withhold his assent therefrom or remit it to 
the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) for further consideration. 

(5) A Statute passed by the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) shall have no validity until it has been 

assented to by the Paridarsaka (Visitor).] 

3[29. Matters to be provided for in the Ordinances.—Subject to the provisions of this Act and the 

Statutes, the Ordinances may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:— 

(a) the admission of students to the University and their enrolment as such; 

(b) the pattern of learning process, courses of study to be laid down for all degrees, diplomas and 

certificates of the University; 

(c)  the  degrees,  diplomas,  certificates  and  other  academic  distinctions  to  be  awarded  by  the 
University, the qualifications for the same and the means to be adopted relating to the granting and 
obtaining of the same; 

(d)  the  purposes  for  which  certificates  awarded  by  the  Lok  Siksha-Samsad  (People's  Education 

Council) of the University may be recognised by the University; 

(e)  the  fees  to  be  charged  for  courses  of  study  in  the  University  and  for  admission  to  the 

examinations, and processes of evaluation, degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University; 

(f) the conditions of the award of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; 

(g) the conduct of tests, evaluations and examinations, including the terms of office and manner 
of appointment and duties of examining bodies, examiners, moderators and persons entrusted with the 
responsibility of evaluation; 

(h) the conditions of residence of the students of the University and the special arrangements, if 

any, for the residence of women students; 

(i) the special arrangements, if any, which may be made for the discipline and teaching of women 

students, and prescribing for them special courses of study; 

(j)  the  terms  and  conditions  of  service  of  the  employees  of  the  University  other  than  those 

prescribed by the Statutes (including the emoluments of the non-teaching staff): 

Provided that where any person who had held any post and is in receipt of a pension or other form 
of retirement benefits is appointed to a non-teaching post of the University, the salary of such person 
together with the pension and other benefits shall not exceed the salary payable to him in accordance 
with the Ordinances; 

1. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 18, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
2. Subs. by Act 57 of 1971, s. 7, for sub-sections (2) to (8) (w.e.f. 3-11-1971). 
3. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 19, for sections 29 and 30 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

13 

 
                                                           
(k) the terms and conditions of approval of institutions of higher learning and its withdrawal; 

(l) the manner of co-operation or collaboration or association with other Universities, authorities 

or institutions of learning; 

(m)  the  terms  and  conditions  on  which  persons  working  in  an  approved  institution,  or  in  any 
institution  co-operating,  collaborating  or  associating  with  the  University,  may  be  approved  as 
adhyapakas and for withdrawing such approval; 

(n) the educational  experimentation and the creation,  composition  and  functioning  of  any  other 

body which is considered necessary for improving the academic life of the University; and 

(o) all other matters which, by this Act or the Statutes, are to be, or may be, provided for by the 

Ordinances. 

30.  Power  to  make  Ordinances.—(1)  The  Ordinances  in  force  immediately  before  the 
commencement of the Visva-Bharati (Amendment) Act, 1984 (31 of 1984), may be amended, repealed or 
added to, at any time by the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council): 

Provided that no Ordinance shall be made in respect of matters enumerated in section 29, other than 
those enumerated in clauses (e), (h), (j), (m) and (o) thereof, unless a draft of such Ordinance has been 
proposed by the Siksha-Samiti (Academic Council). 

(2) The Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) shall not have power to amend any draft proposed by the 
Siksha-Samiti (Academic Council) under the provisions of sub-section (1), but may reject the proposal or 
return the  draft  to the  Siksha-Samiti  (Academic  Council)  for  reconsideration  either  in  whole  or  in  part, 
together with any amendments which the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) may suggest. 

(3) Where the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) has rejected or returned the draft of an Ordinance 
proposed by the Siksha-Samiti (Academic Council), the Siksha-Samiti (Academic Council) may consider 
the question afresh and in case the original draft is reaffirmed by a majority of not less than one-half of 
the total  membership  of the  Siksha-Samiti  (Academic  Council)  and by  a  majority  of  not less than two-
thirds of the members of the Siksha-Samiti (Academic Council) present and voting, the draft may be sent 
back to the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council), which shall either adopt it or refer it to the  Paridarsaka 
(Visitor) whose decision thereon shall be final. 

(4)  Every  Ordinance  made  by  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  shall  come  into  effect 

immediately. 

(5)  Every  Ordinance  made  by  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  shall  be  submitted  to  the 
Paridarsaka  (Visitor)  within  four  weeks  of  the  date  of  the  meeting  of  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive 
Council), and the  Paridarsaka (Visitor) shall have the power to direct the University, within six weeks 
from the date of the receipt of the Ordinance, to suspend the operation of any Ordinance and he shall, as 
soon  as  possible,  inform  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  about  his  objection  to  the  proposed 
Ordinance. 

(6) The Paridarsaka (Visitor) may, after receiving the comments of the University, either withdraw 
the order directing the suspension of the Ordinance or disallow the Ordinance and his decision thereon 
shall be final.] 

31. Regulations.—(1) The authorities of the University  may  make Regulations consistent with this 

Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances— 

(a)  laying  down  the  procedure  to  be  observed  at  their  meetings  and  the  number  of  members 

required to form a quorum; 

(b) providing for all matters which by this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances are to be prescribed 

by the Regulations; and 

(c) providing for all other matters solely concerning the authorities or committees appointed by 

them and not provided for by this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances. 

14 

 
(2) Every authority of the University shall make Regulations providing for the giving of notice to the 
members of such authority of the dates of meetings and of the business to be considered at meetings and 
for the keeping of a record of the proceedings of meetings. 

(3)  The  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  may  direct  the  amendment,  in  such  manner  as  it  may 
specify,  of  any  Regulation  made  under  this  section  or  the  amendment  of  any  Regulation  made  under  
sub-section (1). 

1[(4) Every Statute, Ordinance or Regulation made under this Act shall be published in the Official 

Gazette. 

(5) Every Statute, Ordinance or Regulation made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after 
it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days, which 
may be comprised in  one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the 
session  immediately  following  the  session  or  the  successive  sessions  aforesaid,  both  Houses  agree  in 
making any modification in the Statute, Ordinance or Regulation or both Houses agree that the Statute, 
Ordinance or Regulation should not be made, the Statute, Ordinance or Regulation shall thereafter have 
effect  only  in  such  modified  form  or  be  of  no  effect,  as  the  case  may  be;  so,  however,  that  any  such 
modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under 
that Statute, Ordinance or Regulation.] 

32.  Residence.—Every  student  of  the  University  2[other  than  a  student  of  its  Lok  Siksha  Samsad 
(People’s  Education  Council)]  shall  reside  in  a  3[Chatravasa]  or  under  such  conditions  as  may  be 
prescribed by the Statutes and the Ordinances.  

ADMISSION AND EXAMINATIONS 

33. Admission.—Admission of students to the University shall be made in such manner as may be 

prescribed by the Ordinances. 

34.  Examinations.—Subject  to  the  provisions  of  the  Statutes,  all  arrangements  for  the  conduct  of 
4[tests,  evaluations  and  examinations]  shall  be  made  by  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  in  such 
manner as may be prescribed by the Ordinances. 

ANNUAL REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS 

5[35. Annual report.—(1) The annual report of the University shall be prepared under the directions 
of the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) which shall include, among other matters, the steps taken by the 
University  to  promote  socially  relevant  research  in  physical  and  social  sciences,  weaker  sections’  need 
oriented extension activities and integration of the community life of the University with that of the wider 
world. 

(2) The annual report so prepared shall be submitted to the Samsad (Court) on or before such date as 

may be prescribed by the Statutes and shall be considered by the Samsad (Court) in its annual meeting. 

(3) The  Samsad  (Court)  may  communicate  its comments on  the  annual  report  to  the  Karma-Samiti 

(Executive Council) and the Paridarsaka (Visitor). 

(4)  A  copy  of  the  annual  report,  as  prepared  under  sub-section  (1)  shall  also  be  submitted  to  the 
Central Government which shall, as soon as may be, cause the same to be laid before both the Houses of 
Parliament. 

36.  Annual  Accounts.—(1)  The  annual  accounts  and  balance-sheet  of  the  University  shall  be 
prepared under the direction of the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) and shall once at least every year 
and at intervals of not more than fifteen months, be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of 
India or by such person or persons as he may authorise in this behalf. 

1. Ins. by Act 4 of 2005, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 11-1-2005). 
2. Ins. by Act 60 of 1961, s. 13 (w.e.f. 19-12-1961). 
3. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 20, for “Bhavana (College) or Chartavasa (Hostel)” (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
4. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for “examinations” (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
5. Subs. by s.22, ibid., for sections 35 and 36 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

15 

 
                                                           
(2) A copy of the accounts together with the audit report shall be submitted to the Samsad (Court) and 

the Paridarsaka (Visitor) along with the observations of the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council). 

(3) Any observations made by the  Paridarsaka (Visitor) on the annual accounts shall be brought to 
the  notice  of  the  Samsad  (Court)  and  the  observations  of  the  Samsad  (Court),  if  any,  shall,  after  being 
considered by the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council), be submitted to the Paridarsaka (Visitor). 

(4) A copy of the accounts together with the audit report, as submitted to the Paridarsaka (Visitor), 
shall also be submitted to the Central Government, which shall, as soon as may be, cause the same to be 
laid before both the Houses of Parliament. 

(5) The audited annual accounts, after having been laid before both the Houses of Parliament, shall be 

published in the Gazette of India.] 

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS 

1[37.  Adhyapakas  of  the  University  to  be  appointed  under  a  written  contract.—(1)  No 
adhyapaka of the University shall be appointed to a permanent post, except under a written contract and 
such contract shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances. 

(2) The contract referred to in sub-section (1) shall be lodged with the University and a copy thereof 

shall be furnished to the adhyapaka concerned. 

(3) In the case of an adhyapaka appointed by the University before the commencement of the Visva-
Bharati  (Amendment)  Act,  1984  (31  of  1984),  the  contract  in  force  immediately  before  such 
commencement,  in  relation  to  his  emoluments,  shall,  to  the  extent  of  any  inconsistency  with  the 
provisions  of this  Act  or the  Statutes  or the  Ordinances,  be  deemed  to  have  been  modified  by  the  said 
provisions and where there is no such contract and the adhyapaka is a salaries adhyapaka appointed to a 
permanent post, a written contract shall be executed by, and between, such adhyapaka and the University 
within a period of six months from the commencement of the Visva-Bharati (Amendment) Act, 1984. 

38. Tribunal of Arbitration.—(1) Any dispute arising out of a contract of employment referred to in 
section 37, including a dispute relating to the non-compliance of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or 
the Ordinances, shall, at the request of the adhyapaka, be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration which shall 
consist of one member nominated by the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council), one member nominated by 
the  adhyapaka  concerned  and  one  member  (who  shall  act  as  umpire)  nominated  by  the  Paridarsaka 
(Visitor). 

(2) Every request made under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be a submission to arbitration upon 
the  terms  of  this  section  within  the  meaning  of  the  Arbitration  Act,  1940  (10  of  1940),  and  all  the 
provisions of that Act, with the exception of section 2 thereof, shall apply accordingly. 

(3) If, for any reason, a vacancy occurs in the office of a member of the Tribunal of Arbitration, the 
appropriate body or person concerned shall nominate another person in accordance with the provisions of 
sub-section  (1)  to  fill  the  vacancy  and  the  proceedings  may  be  continued  before  the  Tribunal  from  the 
stage at which the vacancy is filled. 

(4) The decision of the Tribunal of Arbitration shall be final and binding on the parties. 

(5) The Tribunal of Arbitration shall have the power— 

(a) to regulate its own procedure; 

(b) to order reinstatement of the adhyapaka concerned; and 

(c) to award salary to the adhyapaka concerned, after deducting therefrom such income, not being 
income from property, as such adhyapaka might have derived during the period of his suspension or 
during the period intervening between the date on which he was removed or dismissed from service 
or, as the case may be, his service was terminated, and the date on which he is reinstated: 

1. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 23, for sections 37 and 38 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

16 

 
                                                           
Provided that the income which could have been derived by the  adhyapaka concerned shall not 
be taken into account if, at the time when the income was derived, he could have derived such income 
had  he  not  been  suspended  or  removed  or  dismissed  from  service  or  if  his  service  had  not  been 
terminated. 

(6) No suit or other proceedings shall lie in any court in respect of any matter which is required by 

sub-section (1) to be referred to the Tribunal of Arbitration.  

38A.  Power  to  suspend  adhyapaka  or  other  member  of  academic  staff.—(1)  The  Upacharya 
(Vice-Chancellor) may, by order in writing, place and adhyapaka or other member of the academic staff 
under suspension— 

(a) where a disciplinary proceeding against such adhyapaka or other member is contemplated or 

is pending; or 

(b) where a case against him in respect of any criminal offence is under investigation or trial. 

(2) Where any order of suspension is made under sub-section (1), the circumstances in which such 

order has been made shall be reported forthwith to the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council). 

(3) The  Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) may, within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the 
report  referred  to  in  sub-section  (2),  revoke  the  order  of  suspension  if  it  is  of  opinion  that  the 
circumstances of the case do not warrant the suspension. 

(4) Any person aggrieved by an order of suspension, which has not been revoked under sub-section 
(3), may prefer an appeal to  the  Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) within thirty days from the date on 
which  such  order  is  communicated  to  him  and  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  may  confirm 
modify or reverse the order appealed against. 

38B. Authorities by whom order for removal or dismissal of adhyapaka, etc., may be made and 
the procedure therefor.—(1) No adhyapaka, or other member of the academic staff, appointed by the 
University shall be dismissed or removed from service or punished in any other manner by any authority 
other than the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council). 

(2)  No  adhyapaka,  or  other  member  of  the  academic  staff,  appointed  by  the  University  shall  be 
dismissed or removed from service or punished in any other manner except after an inquiry in which he 
has  been  informed  of  the  charges  against  him  and  given  a  reasonable  opportunity  of  being  heard  in 
respect of those charges: 

Provided that where it is proposed after such inquiry, to impose upon the adhyapaka or other member 
of  the  academic  staff  any  punishment,  such  punishment  may  be  imposed  on  the  basis  of  the  evidence 
adduced during such inquiry and it shall not be necessary to give such adhyapaka or other member of the 
academic staff any opportunity of making representation on the punishment proposed. 

(3)  The  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  shall  be  entitled  to  dismiss  or  remove  from  service, 
without holding any such inquiry as is referred to in sub-section (2), an adhyapaka, or other member of 
the  academic  staff,  of  the  University,  where  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council),  for  reasons  to  be 
recorded in writing, is satisfied that such adhyapaka or other member of the academic staff— 

(a) is of unsound mind or is a deaf-mute or suffers from contagious leprosy; or 

(b) is an undischarged insolvent; or 

(c) has been convicted, by a court of law, of an offence involving moral turpitude. 

(4) The dismissal or removal from service of, or any other punishment imposed on, an adhyapaka, or 
other member of the academic staff, appointed by the University shall take effect from the date on which 
the order of dismissal or removal from service is made or other punishment is imposed: 

Provided that, where the adhyapaka or other member of the academic staff is under suspension at the 
time when the order for his dismissal or removal from service is made or other punishment is imposed, 
such order may, if the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council) so directs, take effect from the date on which he 
was placed under suspension. 

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(5) Notwithstanding the terms of contract between the University and an adhyapaka, or other member 
of the academic staff, appointed by the University, such adhyapaka or other member of the academic staff 
may resign his office— 

(a)  where  he  is  permanent,  by  giving  three  months’  notice  in  writing  to  the  Karma-Samiti 

(Executive Council) or by paying to the University three months’ salary in lieu of such notice; or 

(b)  where  he  is  not  permanent,  one  month's  notice  in  writing  to  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive 

Council) or by paying to the University one month's salary in lieu of such notice: 

Provided  that  if  the  Karma-Samiti  (Executive  Council)  so  permits,  the  period  of  three  months' 

notice or of one month's notice, as the case may be, may be reduced or waived: 

Provided further that such resignation shall take effect from the date on which it is accepted by 

the Karma-Samiti (Executive Council). 

Explanation.—“Suspension” shall not be deemed to be a punishment within the meaning of this 

section.]  

39. Pension and provident funds.—(1) The University shall constitute, for the benefit of its officers 
[including  the  Upacharya  (Vice-Chancellor)],  1[adhyapakas],  and  other  servants,  in  such  manner  and 
subject  to  such conditions as  may  be  prescribed  by  the  Statutes,  such pension, insurance  and  provident 
funds as it may deem fit. 

(2)  Where  any  such  pension,  insurance  or  provident  fund  has  been  so  constituted,  the  Central 
Government may declare that the provisions of the Provident Funds Act, 1925 (17 of 1925), shall apply to 
such fund as if it were a Government Provident Fund.  

40.  Filling  of  casual  vacancies.—(1)  Subject  to  any  provision  in  this  Act  and  in  the  Statutes,  the 
Karma Samiti (Executive Council) shall appoint, with the approval of the Paridarsaka (Visitor), a person 
to  fill  a  casual  vacancy  in the  office  of the  Upacharya  (Vice-Chancellor),  and the  person  so  appointed 
shall hold office 2[until his successor enters upon his office]. 

(2) All casual vacancies among the members (other than ex officio members) of any authority or other 
body  of  the  University  shall  be  filled,  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be,  by  the  person  or  body  who 
appointed,  elected  or  co-opted  the  member  whose  place  has  become  vacant,  and  the  person  appointed, 
clected or co-opted to a casual vacancy shall be member of such authority or body for the residue of the 
term for which the person whose place he fills would have been a member. 

3[41. Removal from membership of the University.—The Karma Samiti (Executive Council) may, 
on  the  recommendation  of  not  less  than  two-thirds  of  its  members  remove  any  person  from  the 
membership  of  any  authority  or  board  of  the  University  if  such  a  person  is  guilty  of  a  serious  offence 
involving moral turpitude, or if he has been guilty of scandalous conduct and for the same reasons may 
withdraw any degree or diploma conferred on, or granted to, any person by the University: 

Provided that no action shall be taken under this section against any person except after giving him a 

reasonable opportunity of being heard with regard to the proposed action.] 

42.  Disputes  as  to  constitution  of  any  University  authority  or  body.—If  any  question  arises 
whether any person has been duly elected or appointed as, or is entitled to be, a member of any authority 
or other body of the University, the matter shall be referred to the Paridarsaka (Visitor), whose decision 
thereon shall be final. 

43. Constitution of committees.—Where any authority of the University is given power by this Act 
or by the Statutes to appoint committees, such committee shall, unless there is some special provision to 
the  contrary,  consist  of  members  of  the  authority  concerned  and  of  such  other  persons  (if  any)  as  the 
authority in each case may think fit. 

1. Subs. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 2, for “teacher” (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
2. Subs. by Act 60 of 1961, s. 15, for “till the next meeting of the Samsad (Court)” (w.e.f. 19-12-1961). 
3. Subs. by Act 57 of 1971, s. 11, for section 41 (w.e.f. 3-11-1971). 

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44. Proceedings of the University authorities not invalidated by vacancies.—No act or proceeding 
of any authority or other body of the University shall be invalidated merely by reason of the existence of a 
vacancy or vacancies among its members. 

1[44A. Protection of action taken in good faith.—No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against 
any officer or employee of the University for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done, 
in pursuance of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances. 

44B.  Mode  of  proof  of  University  record.—A  copy  of  any  receipt,  application,  notice,  order, 
proceeding  or  resolution  of  any  authority  or  committee  of  the  University,  or  other  documents  in  the 
possession of the University, or any entry in any register duly maintained by the University, if certified by 
the  Karma-Sachiva  (Registrar),  shall,  notwithstanding  anything  contained  in  the  Indian  Evidence  Act, 
1872 (1 of 1872), or in any other law for the time being in force, be admitted as evidence of the matters 
and transactions specified therein where the original thereof would, if produced, have been admissible in 
evidence.] 

45. Power  to remove difficulties.—If any difficulty arises with respect to the establishment of the 
University or any authority of the University or in connection with the first meeting of any authority of 
the University, the Paridarsaka (Visitor) in consultation with the Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor) may, by 
order, make any appointment or do anything which appears to him necessary or expedient for the proper 
establishment  of the  University  or any  authority  thereof  or  for the  first  meeting  of  any  authority  of the 
University.  

The First Schedule—Omitted by Act 31 of 1984, s. 25 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

THE FIRST SCHEDULE 

THE SECOND SCHEDULE 

(See section 7) 

The territorial limits of the University 

The  area  known  as  Santiniketan  in  the  District  of  Birbhum  in  West  Bengal  admeasuring 

2[3000 hectares], bounded— 

on the North by the Kopai River— 

on the west by a line running from Ballavpur and Banuri villages to Bandgora. 
on  the  south  by  a  line  running  from  Bandgora  via  Bolpur  Dak  Bungalow  to  the  bridge  over  the 

3[Eastern Railway] cutting, and 

on the east by the 3[Eastern Railway] line. 

________________ 

1. Ins. by Act 31 of 1984, s. 24 (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
2. Subs. by s. 26, ibid., for “11.5 square miles” (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 
3. Subs. by s. 26, ibid., for “East Indian Railway” (w.e.f. 8-8-1984). 

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